funding your project

GETTING STARTED… Well, the decision has been made. You have prayed, God has answered. Now, you are on your way to the mission field. The first big step in going on a mission project is making the decision to trust the Lord to provide the money. Time after time people say they would like to go on a mission project, but it costs too much. Our response is always the same… It doesn’t matter how much a project costs. If God wants you there, HE WILL PROVIDE THE WAY. Obviously if you are at this point, you have applied, been accepted, and you know that God has called you to go on a sports ministry project with ISF. Be prayerful about how you can put money towards your project. Ask God if there are ways you can raise money by working an extra job or small side jobs. Maybe you can give up coffee or eating out and put that money towards the project instead. Prayerfully consider how you might make sacrifices along the way, in addition to asking people to support you financially. The following information is provided to help you with your fund raising. Please do not think that you have to follow every suggestion. Be creative! Use your imagination!

If YOU only read one thing.....

Before asking others to fund your mission project, prayerfully consider how you will contribute financially.

ISF offers online giving at www.sportsmissions.com/give. You will receive 100% of the funds donated to ISF, versus other online fundraising platforms that will take up to 10% of your collected funds.

Never hesitate to contact the ISF office for help with fundraising, advice on writing a letter or organizing an event, or for a financial update.

FUNDRAISING GUIDELINES

Step 1. “Get Started NOW” is the number one tip we could ever give a volunteer. It is never too early to begin talking to friends and family members about your summer project and your need for financial help.

Step 2. Do not let the fear of how much you have to raise paralyze you! God has called you to be a part of your project. You will have to trust Him to help you raise the money. He is faithful! Read the verses below to see what the Bible has to say about finances. On a separate piece of paper, write down a few sentences for each verse in relation to your fund raising.

1 Chronicles 29:10-14

1 Corinthians 4:2

Proverbs 30:8-9

Philippians 4:19

Psalms 24:1

Luke 16:10-13

1 Timothy 6:17

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Haggai 2:8

Deut. 8:16-18

Step 3. Read and follow these Fund Raising Guidelines and prayerfully seek the Lord’s guidance as you begin your fund raising journey. We understand that the financial barrier is one of the most difficult parts of making the decision to participate on an international mission project. We have the privilege of watching God provide in amazing ways for volunteers. He will continue to provide for His will to be accomplished. ​ - Pray for God’s direction throughout your fund raising process and your ISF project. ​ - List the names of everyone you know that might be interested in your mission project: friends, family, co-workers, classmates, teachers, church members, local businesses, etc. - Look over the sample support letters and write one in your own words. - Send your letters out with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and support card. - Follow up each letter with a phone call and each gift with a “thank-you” card within two weeks. - Remember that you are seeking both financial and prayer support. Prayer is more important than money. Don’t be discouraged if a person can only commit to pray for your mission project.

Step 4. Be smart! Use the most effective tool of communication! Speak one-on-one to people and tell them about your opportunity! Talk with them, write them, and call them! You never know who God wants to use to get you on the mission field.